What is teak and where is the fabric used?

Teak fabric, its composition and description, density and classification of species are of interest to many lovers of needlework. This material is used to sew white and other colors pillow covers with feather, buckwheat filling, mattress toppers and backpacks are made. To understand what it is, where it is used, a detailed overview of all the important characteristics of a tick will help.

Teak fabric is a natural material, which can include linen, hemp or cotton fibers, connected with a plain or twill weave. Less commonly, synthetic inclusions are used in the composition. In combination with polyester, the fabric is obtained with a slight sheen, thinner, and cheaper to manufacture. According to the requirements of GOST 7701-93, the share of cotton in mixed products cannot be lower than 50%.

The choice of production method is determined by the requirements for matter. The twill weave forms a characteristic textured scar on the surface, the linen one gives smoothness, the satin method of joining threads is more rarely used, in which a peculiar pattern appears on the surface.

The main characteristics of the material are as follows:

• density - 90-160 g / m2;

• high strength;

• resistance to wear and tear;

• weak wrinkling;

• hygroscopicity;

• hypoallergenic;

• breathability;

• long service life.

The description of teak always includes a mention of the environmental friendliness of this fabric. It is completely safe to use, biodegradable, and does not require special disposal measures. The fabric is soft, easy to dye, does not fade when washed.

Teak is characterized by low elongation, resistance to shrinkage. It practically does not deform. The smoothness of the surface excludes the appearance of pellets. The fabric does not let dirt inside, leaving them outside, eliminates the absorption of sweat. In production, to improve the properties of textiles, processing with dressings is used, which gives the fabric antibacterial and antistatic properties, which is especially important for synthetics.

The main classification of teak divides all types of material according to the degree of density and coarseness of the fibers. Depending on these characteristics, it can fall into the following categories.

• Light. This category includes a plain weave material on a cotton or linen basis. The density of the fabric does not exceed 90 g / m2. Such textiles are used in the manufacture of products that are not subject to intense operational stress.

• Curtain. This fabric has a pleasant texture, it is translucent, smooth and light. Draped well, used for sewing curtains. A denser teak allows you to create a textile base for roller shutters. And also Roman blinds are made from it, applying a special impregnation beforehand.

• Fluffy. Teak of this type is also called pillowcase or pillowcase. It is distinguished by its low density, about 140 g / m2, softness, pleasant texture with a slight roughness. Quite thin fabric copes with the tasks of creating durable pillow covers, blankets, washes and dries easily.

• Mattress. The densest teak with a canvas-like texture. It is quite rough, with a pronounced roughness, withstands intense operating loads. Mattress covers are made of fabric.

Teak is also quite varied in color. The plain white material is for the cases. Printed is painted with a print on a plain surface of the fabric. Products made from it lose their color brightness faster than others. Multicolored teak is formed from pre-dyed fibers, allowing you to obtain traditional patterns and designs that are resistant to fading and fading.

Most products from this material do not possess brightness of color. The absence of synthetic threads in the composition, the rather coarse texture of the fibers in the mattress fabrics simply exclude the need for this. For bed linen and curtains, teak is used with brighter colors obtained by the printed method.

Self-tailoring of teak products is complicated by the increased density of this fabric. Punching of fibers with a needle is often difficult, and skipped stitches occur. Industrial machines do not have this defect during operation, so the products are sewn more efficiently.

The main purpose of teak is to sew a variety of covers. Most often they are created for pillows, using them as a pillowcase to prevent loss of padding. The material is also excellent for creating covers for down feather beds. It is quite dense, strong, durable, holds the contents inside, but allows air to pass through well.

Teak was originally used as an inexpensive material for wear-resistant clothing. It was also used to make slimming corsets. Since the 70s of the XX century, safari-style dresses, sundresses, shorts and shirts have become fashionable, for which teak was perfect. At the same time, the material began to be used in the sewing of backpacks and other hiking equipment. Today, awnings and tents, awnings from the sun, waterproof capes with a special water-repellent coating are made from it.

The basic requirements for teak care are pretty simple. Depending on whether the material is used for the manufacture of covers or as an independent basis for a textile product, the recommendations will be as follows.

1. Machine wash. Allowed at any temperature conditions, with spinning and drying. The textile is dense, does not shrink.

2. Ironing. At the highest possible heat. This will remove the formed folds and creases.

3. Impregnated teak. For him, exclusively low-temperature care is used with washing at temperatures up to +40 degrees. Whitening additives are prohibited.

4. Filler blankets. They are washed with gentle detergents with obligatory water softening.

5. Heavily soiled products. Mattresses and pillows in bed-napkins are dry-cleaned using professional methods.

Storage takes place in cool, well-ventilated areas. It is important not to allow a significant drop in temperature, as the material tends to absorb moisture. Caked teak can become moldy and stained with fungus. Its cotton variety, if stored improperly, loses its strength, deforms, creeps into fibers.

Teak is often cited as a high-density canvas, but is considered rather rough. This is due to the fact that most people know him only by mattress toppers and covers for pillows, blankets. In comparison with cotton fabrics - coarse calico, poplin, satin - it really looks rougher due to the dense interweaving of threads. The finished products are more durable and textured, resistant to tearing, stretching, but prone to shedding.

Teak loses its appeal compared to polyester and other synthetic fabrics. It does not differ in brightness of color, spectacular brilliance. Outwardly, the products are more neutral, without excessive flashiness of prints. The strength and durability of synthetic fabrics are also always high. Only the most dense types of teak can compete with them at the proper level.

But synthetic polyester is noticeably inferior to more natural fabric in many respects. Teak is more comfortable and pleasant in contact with the body, it eliminates skin irritation due to allergic reactions. The breathability of the fabric provides it with good performance properties, allows you to remove moisture and heat during sleep. Polyester covers and bedding are colder.

The antistatic properties that teak has thanks to its natural fiber composition also give it significant benefits. Products do not stick to the body, are comfortable to wear when it comes to clothing. Polyester is highly electrified and requires regular antistatic treatment with special agents.